Queer Birding for Every Body - Western Massachusetts
Spend your morning with TVOP Volunteers Sam, Amy, and your fellow queer and trans birders at a popular birding trail in Hadley, MA. With the hubbub of spring migration dying down, June is a great time to get to know the breeding birds of the Connecticut River Valley like Baltimore orioles, bobolinks, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and more. We will move slowly along a mostly flat 1.1-mile loop trail that meanders through diverse, bird-friendly habitat and features views of the Holyoke Range in the distance.
All abilities and experience levels are welcome on this beginner-friendly outing! We particularly want to center LGBTQ+ folks with disabilities or mobility challenges who might face barriers to accessing traditional outdoor recreation spaces. Masks are required for all participants while with the group. Please let us know if there are ways we can make this event more accessible for you when registering. Binoculars are recommended, but feel free to bring whatever equipment you find most comfortable when enjoying birds. We will have 9 extra pairs of binoculars to share.
Accessibility: The surface of this wide (60”) trail is a mix of elevated boardwalks and hard-packed crushed stone with wooden edging. In addition to standalone benches, there are nine regularly spaced viewing decks with seating that will provide plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the nature around us. There are no steps to navigate, but there is one 120-foot section of boardwalk with an 8% grade and a pullout with benches for resting. Although there are many sections of full sun, multiple decks are shaded, including a gazebo directly off the parking lot with a view of a small wetland. We will move at the pace of the slowest person and may alter our route/distance depending on the needs of the group. We may encounter leashed dogs. Masks (KN95 or better) are required at this event, but we will have extras. Registration is limited to 12. More detailed information on our meeting location will be shared with registered participants prior to the event.
We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them.
If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.